Have you ever wondered why houseflies seem so drawn to humans? It’s a common annoyance – these buzzing insects persistently fly around us and land on our skin, even when we don’t appear to offer anything they’d want. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What Do Flies” actually want, you’re not alone. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this behavior and explore how to keep your home a fly-free zone.
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Why Are Flies Attracted to Humans?
Despite our efforts to shoo them away, houseflies keep returning. It might seem like they’re simply being bothersome, but there’s a biological reason behind their persistence. Houseflies are scavengers, and surprisingly, they find humans appealing. Our bodies, much like their preferred food sources such as feces, food waste, and decaying matter, emit warmth and signals of potential nourishment.
While houseflies aren’t equipped to bite like mosquitoes, they are interested in what they can glean from our skin. Using their straw-like proboscis, they seek to consume salt, dead skin cells, oils, and any other edible substances they can find on our exposed epidermis. Essentially, to answer the question “what do flies” seek from our skin – it’s a buffet of microscopic particles that are nutritious to them.
Flies: More Than Just Annoyances – Disease Vectors
Beyond feeding, flies are constantly searching for suitable locations to defecate, regurgitate (they liquefy solid food by vomiting on it), and lay eggs. Humans, and our surroundings, often inadvertently provide these opportunities. This frequent landing and depositing behavior is what makes houseflies significant vectors for communicable diseases, including typhoid and tuberculosis.
Pathogens are picked up by flies when they feed on unsanitary materials like dung and deceased animals. These germs are then carried on their legs and mouthparts. Every time a fly lands on you, or your food or drink, it could be transferring a multitude of germs. Therefore, understanding “what do flies” carry is crucial for public health – they are not just pests; they pose a genuine health risk.
Creating a Fly-Free Environment
The most effective and affordable way to minimize flies in and around your home is through preventative measures. If you have pets, promptly cleaning up pet waste is essential. Dog feces, in particular, is a major attractant for flies, serving both as a food source and an egg-laying site.
Maintaining a clean and tidy home is equally important. Avoid leaving food out for extended periods, keep kitchen surfaces clean, regularly empty garbage cans, and remove any rotting organic matter. A sanitary home is less inviting to flies.
To prevent flies from entering your house, ensure windows and doors are closed or screened. Inspect for and seal any cracks or holes, especially around window screens, that could serve as entry points. While chemical pesticides should be avoided if possible, consider using DIY fly traps or homemade flypaper as safer alternatives. Non-zapping ultraviolet light traps are also effective in attracting and trapping flies.
By understanding “what do flies” are after and implementing these preventative strategies, you can significantly reduce their presence in your living space and protect yourself and your family from the potential health risks they carry.
For further information on fly control, resources like howtogetridofstuff.com and the Illinois Department of Public Health’s fly prevention and control page offer valuable guidance.
